Pavel Sulc's inclusion in the Czech Republic's 26-man World Cup squad underlines the Lyon midfielder's growing stature on the international stage. Head coach Miroslav Koubec has placed his trust in the 20-capped playmaker, making him one of the few players from outside the domestic Chance Liga to earn a ticket to the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19.
The squad announcement reveals a heavy reliance on home-based talent, with a staggering 17 players plying their trade in the Czech top flight. Slavia Prague, fresh off back-to-back league titles, contribute an entire 10-man contingent—a clear sign of the club's dominance and the cohesion Koubec hopes to leverage on football's biggest stage.
Among the exceptions to this domestic trend are some of the team's most experienced campaigners. Right-back Vladimir Coufal, now at Hoffenheim, brings 61 caps of battle-hardened nous, while West Ham's indefatigable midfielder Tomas Soucek—nearing a century of appearances with 89 caps—remains the heartbeat of the side. Up front, Bayer Leverkusen's Patrick Schick provides a proven goal threat, his lethal finishing having lit up both the Bundesliga and previous international tournaments.
The composition of the squad raises intriguing tactical questions. With such a strong Slavia Prague core, Koubec may opt for a system that mirrors the club's familiar patterns, potentially accelerating on-field understanding during the compact tournament schedule. However, the reliance on a single club's players also carries risk: a dip in form or fitness at Slavia could ripple through the national team.
For Sulc, the call-up is a career milestone. The 24-year-old has been a consistent performer for Lyon in Ligue 1, and this World Cup exposure could enhance his profile significantly. It also means he will miss part of Lyon's pre-season preparations, but the club will undoubtedly view his involvement as a positive reflection of their scouting and development.
Looking at Group A, the Czechs face a mix of danger and opportunity. Mexico, one of the three co-host nations, will enjoy fervent home support and carry the weight of a football-mad nation's expectations. Facing a host in the group stage is always a daunting proposition, but it also offers a chance to silence a raucous crowd early and seize control of the group.
South Korea, led by their talismanic captain Son Heung-min, boast pace, technical quality, and extensive World Cup experience. Their relentless pressing and quick transitions will test the Czech Republic's defensive organization. Meanwhile, South Africa, though often seen as underdogs, have a history of punching above their weight on the global stage, notably when they reached the quarter-finals in 2010 as hosts.
The Czechs will likely lean on their organized defensive structure and set-piece prowess—areas where Soucek's aerial ability and Schick's movement can make the difference. Coufal's delivery from wide areas and Sulc's creativity from deep could also unlock stubborn defenses. Avoiding defeat against Mexico in what is likely to be a febrile atmosphere could set the tone for a successful group stage campaign.
Historically, the Czech Republic (and formerly Czechoslovakia) have a proud World Cup legacy, having been runners-up in 1934 and 1962. More recently, they've struggled to replicate that success, making this tournament a critical opportunity to reassert their presence among the elite. The blend of seasoned internationals and domestic continuity might just be the formula to spring a surprise.
The high number of players from the Chance Liga also highlights the league's rising competitiveness. Slavia Prague's domestic supremacy has not yet translated into deep European runs, but a strong World Cup showing by its players could attract more attention to the Czech top flight and its talent production line.
As the countdown to kick-off begins, all eyes will be on how Koubec integrates his foreign-based stars with the Slavia nucleus. If Sulc can carry his club form onto the world stage, he might emerge as one of the tournament's breakout performers, and Lyon could find themselves with an even more valuable asset come the summer transfer window.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.
